Be Inspired by Dry July!
Dry July is a fundraiser that challenges you to go alcohol-free and raise funds for New Zealanders affected by cancer.
The funds raised by participants of Dry July 2022 will help Look Good Feel Better NZ, PINC & STEEL NZ and Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand improve the comfort, care, and wellbeing of people affected by cancer.
Not only is Dry July an immensely critical fund raiser, but it also presents an opportunity to encourage even more weight loss on your weight loss journey.
Drinking alcohol is consuming sugar. Anyone looking to drop those final stubborn pounds may want to consider skipping their evening glass of wine.
Alcohol can be referred to as hidden, empty calories.
Did you know that there are almost 155 calories in one 12-ounce can of beer, and 125 calories in a 5-ounce glass of red wine. By comparison, a recommended afternoon snack should have between 150 and 200 calories. Check out our recipe book for some great alternative. A night out with several drinks can lead to consuming a few hundred extra calories. Be aware of the mixers, they also contain calories, for example fruit juice or soda (yes! Soda and Tonic water also have calories)
Once you have decided to give up alcohol for Dry July – Be prepared!
Urges inevitably arise when we first change a habitual behaviour, especially when a drink after a bad day can feel so damn good. Interestingly, it’s not as much about having huge reserves of willpower to eliminate these urges, as it is about managing the reality that we humans are simply not wired to avoid pleasurable stimuli.
There is a personal battle coming, however with some coping mechanisms in place and the support of friends and family these urges will dissipate by the month’s end.
Cutting out alcohol can have a significant impact on weight loss and overall health. While moderate alcohol consumption may not necessarily lead to weight gain, it can still interfere with weight loss efforts in several ways.
Alcohol is high in empty calories and offers little to no nutritional value. These extra calories can quickly add up and contribute to weight gain if not burned off through physical activity. Furthermore, the body prioritizes metabolizing alcohol over other nutrients, which can slow down the metabolism and make it harder to burn fat.
Additionally, alcohol can lower inhibitions and lead to poor food choices and overeating. It can also disrupt sleep patterns, which can affect hormone levels that regulate hunger and fullness, potentially leading to increased cravings and overeating.
By cutting out alcohol, individuals can reduce calorie intake, improve metabolism, make better food choices, and get better sleep. This, in turn, can support weight loss efforts and lead to a healthier, more balanced lifestyle. Adopting other healthy habits, such as regular exercise and a balanced diet, can further enhance weight loss results and overall well-being.